While federal guidelines regulate the production of organic fruit, scientists haven't concluded whether organic dried fruit is more nutritious or offers greater health benefits than conventional dried fruit. Organic dried fruit usually has fewer added sugars or preservatives, making it a healthier option over fruit with added flavors or colors.
Production
Organic farmers produce dried fruits without using chemical fertilizers, pesticides, herbicides or other artificial means. Producers often practice natural methods of weed control, such as crop rotation or companion gardening. Conventional fruit growers maintain farms or orchards using artificial fertilizers or pesticides to encourage growth.
Cost
According to the Mayo Clinic, organic dried fruits are more expensive than conventional fruits due to the higher cost of production, labor intensity and lower crop yields. The USDA has found that although organic farms earn higher sales than traditional farms in the US, the organic production expenses are also higher, adding to the cost to consumers.
Labeling
The USDA National Organic Program, initiated in 1990, provides standards for the production and handling of organic foods---but not the nutritional content or quality of the food. The program allows producers to label dried fruits and other foods organic when they meet certain production criteria. Dried fruit packages can feature the "USDA Organic" seal if the package contains one kind of organically grown dried fruit; or contains 95 percent organic ingredients, like mixed dried fruit or trail mix. A package labeled "Made with Organic Ingredients" must contain at least 70 percent organic foods.
Nutrition
According to the Mayo Clinic, no nutritional difference exists between organically grown and conventionally grown dried fruits. The USDA also asserts that the overall nutritional benefits of organic versus conventional dried fruits is "unclear." In its factsheet "Should I Purchase Organic Foods?" the USDA states "organic foods contain slightly higher levels of trace minerals, vitamin C, and antioxidant phytonutrients than conventionally grown crops," but their nutritional effects are unknown.
Benefits
Like fresh fruit, dried fruit is high in fiber, vitamins and antioxidants, which all promote overall health. Organic dried fruit usually contains no added sweeteners, oils, colors or preservatives, while conventional dried fruit manufacturers often treat their fruit with sulfur dioxide to preserve color. According to the Center for Science in the Public Interest, sulfur dioxide may cause severe reactions in people with asthma. Conventional fruit may also contain added flavorings, sugars or oils. For those wanting to reduce their sugar, fat or food additive intake, organic dried fruit is the healthier option.
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